Resources for victims of Northern California fires

Here are some very important links that can help you if you have been affected by the devastating fires in Northern California. Click on the links for the most current information. We are adding and updating information all the time, so please return to my website regularly to see what’s new. If there is anything we can do to help, please contact the closest district office to you.

This can be an extremely stressful time. If you find yourself overwhelmed and experiencing anxiety or depression, please ask for help. See our section on Counseling/Mental Health Support below.

Fire Summary--Cal Fire is overseeing the management of fighting the Northern California fires. Go here to see the latest information on the fires, containment, evacuation orders and more. Cal Fire Statewide Information on Wildfires

Banking Issues--Bank of America wants its customers to know that they can contact their Client Assistance Program at (855) 729-1764. They are offering personalized financial assistance ranging from waived fees on accounts and credit cards to temporary payment forbearance plans on home loans. They also encourage downloading their secure Mobile App and use online banking when possible.

Communication Tools--WhatsApp is a phone app that provides secure messaging and calling for free (data charges may apply) and it’s available on phones all over the world.

Community Information--Nixle is a Community Information Service that helps you stay connected to the information that matters most, depending on your physical location. You can stay connected to your local police department, schools and local community agencies and organizations. What is Nixle?

Counseling/Mental Health Support--This can be an extremely stressful time, please reach out for help if you are experiencing anxiety or depression. Here are some immediate resources for Sonoma and Mendocino County. You can also call one of district offices for additional resources.

Debris and Ash Removal--Authorities warn the public not to remove debris and ash from their homes or burn sites. Hazardous materials are present. Debris Removal Process

Drinking Water Safety--In an abundance of caution, the City of Santa Rosa has issued a Boil Water Notice on 10/10/17 for the affected Fountaingrove area. Residents in this area with low or no water pressure must bring all water to a boil before consuming to ensure the water is safe to drink. For more information on this call 707-543-4511.

Electricity and Gas--PG&E has information on power and gas outages and procedures for re-establishing service. They also have information on how to ensure that the person who asks to enter your home is an authorized PG&E representative. PG&E Information for People Affected by Wildfire

Federal Assistance--Funds from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may be available to help individuals rebuild, repair and replace housing and other personal property not covered by insurance. Individuals who were impacted by the fires should apply for FEMA assistance. You can apply in the following ways:

You may call the registration phone number at 1-800-621-3362; those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

Visit a Local Assistance Center

Food Assistance--Redwood Empire Food Bank is providing food to shelters and those in need in Sonoma County. See what they can do to help you and what you can do to help them if you are able. Redwood Empire Food Bank

Lost Documents Replacement--If you’ve lost important documents or identification in the fires, many can be replaced. You can learn more about how to replace these common documents by contacting them directly:

Sutter Health was forced to close the Santa Rosa Regional Hospital and 11 other outpatient clinics (10/10/17). All 70 patients from the Sutter Santa Rosa Hospital were safely transferred to other area hospitals. Please visit the Sutter Health Website to get updates on closure and re-openings or you can call 866-961-2889.

Medications--During this emergency, pharmacies are authorized to refill prescriptions without renewed contact with your physician. In addition, for new health needs, we encourage people to contact their primary care provider. Help with Medications

Search for Family & Friends--Red Cross has a site where you can let family and friends know that you are safe and you can also look for loved ones who you have lost communication with. It's called Safe & Well. Safe & Well Registration Site

Small Business Assistance—Small Business Administration (SBA) loans may also be available to individuals and businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, inventory and supplies. After registering with FEMA, businesses and homeowners that would like to apply for SBA loans can do so online at: Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance

Telecommunications--We recommend using text to communicate whenever possible. Because many cell towers were destroyed by the fires, more people are tapping into fewer towers. Text requires less "energy" than cell calls. Telecom companies are waiting for permission to go into damaged areas to install temporary towers. If you are having trouble finding family or friends, here is a hotline number for Sonoma County (707) 565-3856.

Temporary Housing--SHARE Sonoma County has created temporary home sharing for those who have lost their housing due to the recent fires. They have received many calls from those offering rooms. Most are temporary placements, but some can be more long term. They currently (10/10/17) have over 40 home providers offering housing. Please contact them if you can provide temporary housing or volunteer. Contact info: SHAREFire@petalumapeople.org or (707)765.8488, ext. 126.

For 30 days after a disaster emergency is declared, it is unlawful for a person to sell or offer a hotel room for a price more than 10 percent above the price charged immediately prior to the declaration. (California Penal Code 396)